Feb 26 Popcorn Addict: Get Out

Back in August, the trailer for Get Out, a film written and directed by Jordan Peele (Key and Peele; Keanu), was released. It was interesting for sure. We wondered: Is it really a horror movie? A comedy? Given Peele’s strong comedic roots, we were wondering if there was some comedic twist a la the Scary Movie franchise. But no, all advertising for the film maintained it was a horror/thriller movie.

The film centers around Chris (Daniel Kaluuya) and his girlfriend Rose Armitage (Allison Williams) as they prepare to go to her parents’ home for the weekend. Sounds like a typical rom-com, right? Wrong. When Chris asks his girlfriend whether she informed her parents that he was Black, we knew there was going to be some problems. Fast forward and Chris meets her quirky parents Missy (Catherine Keener, who was marvelous in this role) and Dean (Bradley Whitford) who are seemingly nice and cordial, but something seems off. Begin the awkward moments of trying to relate with Chris’ Black identity (Dean’s father competing against Jesse Owens in the Olympics) and microaggressions. Paired with two Stepford-esque housekeepers, something just ain’t right. The second act of the film involved the Armitages’ throwing an annual party. The guests are even worse with their microaggressions, which begs the questions: When do microaggressions become more than just micro?? Quite well paralleling the microaggression, stereotypes, and blatant discrimination Black Americans (and others) face on a daily basis in the United States.

We can’t say anything further about this film because spoilers will ruin the experience (thus, go now!!!). As you can assume by now, there are twists. Quite unbreakable twists and they’re GOOD. The last act of this film is perfect and rewarding, while leaving you incredibly disturbed. Allison Williams is great in her role—almost an extension of her Girls character Marnie. But Kaluuya takes the cake in this film. His nuanced facial expressions and body language really well portrayed the voice a Black American navigating similar contexts, especially those watching nervously in the audience.

This movie is a must-see. The movie is just the beginning as you will continue to discuss it and deconstruct parts long after you’ve left the theater. You will, or should, leave the theater horrified. Between the writing in Get Out and Keanu, I’m looking forward to everything Jordan Peele has to offer in the future.

Rating: 10/10

Have you watched Get Out? What are your thoughts? What are the parallels between this and reality that you noticed? Leave your thoughts in the comments!